5 Haunted Hotels in Tennessee Brave Travelers Love to Book

Tennessee is known for its music, barbecue, and southern charm, but it also has a darker side that draws thrill-seekers from all over. Across the state, historic hotels have earned reputations for more than just comfortable beds and great service—they’re also home to restless spirits and unexplained phenomena.

Brave travelers who love a good ghost story often book stays at these haunted hotels, hoping to experience something beyond the ordinary. Whether you believe in the paranormal or just enjoy a spooky tale, these five hotels offer unforgettable nights filled with history, mystery, and maybe even a ghostly encounter.

1. The Read House Hotel (Chattanooga)

Room 311 has become legendary among ghost hunters and curious guests who visit this historic Chattanooga landmark. Many who dare to book this particular room report flickering lights that seem to have a mind of their own, phantom footsteps pacing the floor at odd hours, and unexplained noises that send chills down their spines. The Read House isn’t just famous for one haunted room, though—its entire history is steeped in mystery and intrigue.

Built over a century ago, the hotel has connections to the Civil War and even served time as a jail, which adds layers of dark history to its already eerie reputation. Stories of soldiers, prisoners, and other restless souls circulate among staff and guests alike.

For brave travelers seeking an authentic paranormal experience, The Read House offers more than just a place to sleep. It’s a journey into the past where history and hauntings blend seamlessly. Guests leave with stories that last a lifetime, whether they encounter something supernatural or simply soak in the spine-tingling atmosphere that fills every corner of this iconic hotel.

2. Union Station Hotel (Nashville)

Grand arches and soaring ceilings remind visitors that this Nashville treasure was once a bustling railroad terminal where thousands passed through daily. Today, it stands as a luxurious hotel, but its transformation hasn’t quieted all the activity from its past.

Legend tells of a heartbroken woman who still waits near where the tracks once lay, searching endlessly for a love who never returned.

What makes Union Station Hotel particularly fascinating is how it balances elegance with the eerie. You can enjoy modern amenities and beautiful accommodations while staying in a building where the past refuses to fade away completely. Paranormal enthusiasts often book rooms hoping to catch a glimpse of the waiting woman or hear those mysterious whispers.

Even skeptics find themselves pausing when they feel an unexplained chill or hear footsteps behind them in an empty hall, making every stay an adventure into the unknown.

3. The Peabody Hotel (Memphis)

Twice daily, ducks march through the lobby on a red carpet, delighting guests with a tradition that’s made The Peabody famous worldwide. But behind this charming spectacle lies another layer that few visitors expect—ghost stories that have circulated for generations. This luxury Memphis landmark has earned a reputation for hosting guests who checked out long ago but never really left.

Among the most frequently reported sightings is a former bellman who appears in vintage uniform, still tending to duties from another era.

The contrast between the hotel’s elegant, upscale atmosphere and its ghostly residents creates a unique experience. During the day, you can enjoy fine dining and watch the beloved duck parade. At night, the mood shifts as shadows grow longer and strange sounds drift through vintage corridors.

4. Thomas House Hotel (Red Boiling Springs)

Paranormal investigation teams consider this small-town hotel a goldmine for supernatural activity, returning year after year with recording equipment and high hopes. Unlike some haunted locations where stories feel vague or secondhand, the Thomas House Hotel delivers consistent, documented experiences that keep ghost hunters coming back.

Apparitions appear with surprising regularity here, from shadowy figures glimpsing past doorways to full-bodied spirits spotted on staircases. Even more unsettling are the reports of unexplained touches—guests feeling gentle taps on their shoulders or hands brushing against them when no one else is near. The activity happens so often that the hotel has embraced its reputation, hosting special paranormal events and welcoming investigators.

What sets this location apart is the sheer volume and variety of reported phenomena. You might experience everything from footsteps overhead in empty attic spaces to objects moving across tables. The hotel’s intimate size means there’s nowhere the spirits don’t seem to roam.

First-time ghost hunters and seasoned investigators alike find Red Boiling Springs worth the trip, as few places in Tennessee offer such consistently active paranormal experiences in such a welcoming, down-home atmosphere.

5. General Morgan Inn (Greeneville)

Elegant hallways and refined decor give this inn a sophisticated atmosphere, but its past as a military academy brings something extra to every stay. Former residents and students who once walked these halls seem reluctant to leave, creating a lingering presence that guests notice almost immediately. The building’s history runs deep, with generations of young cadets training within its walls before it transformed into the welcoming inn it is today.

Strange occurrences happen frequently enough that staff members have their own collection of unexplained stories. Lights turn themselves on in empty rooms, even after being switched off multiple times. Mysterious footsteps echo through corridors late at night when all guests are accounted for and settled in their rooms.

The inn manages to maintain its elegant charm while acknowledging its supernatural residents. Guests appreciate the beautiful accommodations and historic architecture, but many also hope for a paranormal encounter during their visit.